Secret Compartment question

Strong magnets front and back?

Re: Secret Compartment question

David Yoho

Have you thought of using a Soss hinge? Either their regular invisible hinges or their barrel hinges would work depending on how you do the top.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Yonak

Something that occurred to me : A dresser top usually is a repository of stuff. Getting to the compartment means clearing all the stuff off the top, unless it raises up, or slides to the side, level or the compartment is accessible in some other way.

Not secret any longer.

Virgil Johnson

You just posted this on the web.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Henry (Raleigh NC)

Barry:

Given users propensity to lift pieces by grabbing only the top 'with a nice overhang to grip', "that's why it's there" (maybe not so likely with a dresser, but depend on the height) - ensure that no matter what you choose the mechanism is strong enough for that sort of abuse.

Henry

Re: Secret Compartment question *LINK*

John McGaw

Wow. Lotsa different ways to tackle that. There are even ready-made magnetic latches which open with the application of a super-magnet to the proper spot outside the case. I was actually going to go with the latter when I started thinking that, with my sometimes clumsy implementation of details, I'd mess up the install and not be able to open it again with anything less than a Sawzall.

I finally settled on a relatively simple latching mechanism. There is a spring-loaded brass rod that runs from front to back. Outside is a tiny turned brass knob in the rear that, when pulled out about 1.5" slides the rod out of a solid wood block attached to the top allowing it to be lifted. There are no supports and I never got around to making the inside neat -- the original idea was a bit of padding and green baize cloth lining.

The pictures were just snapped and a bit crude but should give the idea. Whatever way you do it, making sure that the latch doesn't allow any telltale "give" in the lid to show that something out of the ordinary is going on with the top.


Nightstand With Hidden Compartment

Re: Secret Compartment question

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

I am building a chest of drawers for my grandson.

Considering make the top a lid to a "secret" compartment. Could put a piano hinge across the rear and the lid would open. Trying to figure out how to fasten the front.

Barry, I built my wife this chest of drawer, nicknamed "The Lingerie Chest", 4 years ago.

No one picks it until I show them, that the top is a secret compartment ...

I used Brusso 95 degree hinges, which stop at this angle ...

They are assisted by brass stays, which I made myself ...

For good measure, the top drawer has a secret lock - a Quaker lock. When released, it opens to a set of sliding jewellery trays ....

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Secret Compartment question

ebd

Not sure that idea is practical. Most flat surfaces accumulate things that would have to be removed before opening.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

Yes, thought of some sort of invisible hinge, but I have a piano hinge and I am cheap. I also thought it might stand the abuse of lifting by the top better.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

I thought of that. Still thinking about it.

Re: Not secret any longer.

Barry Irby

Don't tell. Didn't you take the Wood Central oath that what happens on Wood Central stays on Wood Central? Get a copy of it from Ellis and have it notarized.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

Yep, that is why I was thinking of bolts to hold it shut and a piano hinge.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

Thanks, Good Idea, I'm thinking about it.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

Beautiful. Nice work. I am sure she loves it.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

Yeah, every flat surface in my house and shop has stuff on it. How about a tray to sit on it to collect the junk and make it easy to move it out of the way.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Ron Jackson

The answer may be this product ,Tot -Lock. I use the magnetic lock for a hidden way to access pistol boxes for night stands etc. I camouflage magnet in small found objects that rest near box.

Re: Secret Compartment question

Barry Irby

I was considering making the top drawers with compartments in the rear. They are 9" wide and 16" front to back and about 2 1/2" deep. I am thinking of making them appear to be 9 by 11 by installing a false back and some sort of catch that prevents them from pulling out. trip the catch and the rest of the drawer could come forward. The top drawers are basically for jewelry and such like, so 9 by 11 would seem normal.

Re: Secret Compartment question

ebd

Tray would work, or my favorite - a box. Makes a great junk drawer and keeps the dust off.